Udzungwa mountains national park
Udzungwa mountains national park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of the best safari park in Tanzania, is situated in the country’s southern region. The park’s 1,990 square kilometers of land are made up primarily of Miombo woodlands, rainforests, and a vast array of mountains. Udzungwa Mountain, the park’s biggest and tallest peak, gave the area its name. Lohomero, the mountain’s tallest peak, has a height of 2,576 meters. The Eastern Arc Mountains incorporate the mountains. The park’s or mountains’ name was derived from the Kihehe word “Wadzungwa,” which means “people who leave by the side of the mountains.” Because of the local communities’ respect for the forests and mountains, these mountains have preserved their biodiversity for many years with little or no change.
The Dutch foundation known as WWF established and officially opened Udzungwa Mountains National Park in 1992. The five forest reserves that were created in the early 1950s were the primary reason for naming the park. The park was created in order to preserve its rich diversity of primates and rare plant species. Six primate species, including the Iringa red colobus monkey, the crested mangabey monkey, and many others, have been identified at the park and are unique to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of the 34 “World Biodiversity Hotspot” parks in the world. It is also one of the top 200 World Wide Fund for Nature ecoregions of critical global importance. The park’s main draw is its diverse range of mountains, various forest canopy types, and water falls. Hikers enjoy a great hiking experience at the peaks of Luhomero and Mwanihana, while birders enjoy more bird species cut across different canopies. Nyanganje Forest Reserve, Iwonde Forest Reserve, Matundu Forest Reserve, West Kilombero Scarp Forest Reserve, and Mwanihana Forest Reserve make up the park. Historically, these forest reserves have existed for over 30 million years and are linked to the Congo Forest Basin.
LOCATION OF UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL
The park is situated along the Eastern Arc Mountains, which run from the southern part of Kenya’s Taita Hills to the Makambako Gap in southern Tanzania. The hills are sometimes referred to as “Africa’s Galapagos Islands.” This is due to the area’s high diversity and abundance of endemic tree species and animals. The park contains 30 to 40% of Tanzania’s endemic tree and animal species.
The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is Tanzania’s only national park, located along the Eastern Arc in the country’s south-central region. It is located in the Kilolo and Kilombero districts, with the majority of the park in the Kilolo district and a small portion (around 20%) in the Kilombero district. It is surrounded by national parks such as Mikumi in the northeast, Ruaha in the north, and Ruipa in the southwest.
It is accessible from both the nearby town of Mikumi and the former capital city, which is the park’s largest town. It is approximately 350 kilometers (215 miles) from the city of Dar es Salaam. If you are in Mikumi, it is only 65 kilometers to the southwest of the town.
CLIMATE OF THE UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL
The park is one of the places in Tanzania that receives the most rain in a year. The most rain falls during the long early rains from March to May, with some falling in November. The annual rainfall can exceed 2000mm, especially in the eastern part of the park, while it can reach 600mm in the west. Every year, the dry season extends from June to October and then from December to February. This is the best time for visitors to visit the park during the dry season. The park, on the other hand, is open all year.
Attractions in Udzungwa Mountains
ATTRACTIONS IN UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The natural Udzungwa Mountains National Park has more breathtaking tourist attractions. It’s a great place to unwind and catch some fresh air after a long African adventure in overcrowded national parks. The park is a popular Tanzania tourist destination that should not be missed due to its unique landscapes formed by the massive ridges of the Eastern Arc Mountains. Some of the highlights of Udzungwa Mountains National Park are listed below.
Waterfalls
The unique waterfalls that offer travelers the best scenic and sightseeing experiences are the Udzungwa Mountains’ national pride. The Sanje Waterfall, located in the heart of the park, is Tanzania’s highest waterfall. The waterfall is made up of three distinct stages, or breaks. Depending on the traveler’s physical ability, we can visit all of the stages during your one-day hike to the top of the water fall. The first stage is 170 meters long, followed by a 30 meter stage, and finally a 70 meter stage, which is the second longest. You are free to take a bath at the bottom of the falls. Each stage features a deep pool of water for experienced swimmers to enjoy. The park also has small water falls such as Prince Bernhard, named after the prince who discovered the falls; Mwaya Falls; Sonjo Falls; and Njokamoni Falls.
Mountain peaks and trails.
The name of the park was derived from the name of the park’s highest mountain. The park is dominated by mountain ranges, which is one of the park’s main attractions. The Udzungwa Mountains are made up of ranges that provide excellent canopy views of the park. Hiking to these peaks does not necessitate any additional hiking experience. You only need a moderate level of fitness to complete the hike successfully during your safari to the park. Hikers and birders use the trekking trails in the forests and mountains to explore the park. The magnificent forest is mostly visited by researchers who want to learn more about the forest’s rare tree species. Since its establishment, the park has remained one of Tanzania’s last unspoiled forests.
The hiking trails range from a one-day trek to Sonjo to a six-day trek to Lumemo. Because of the park’s poor road network, it can only be reached on foot and not by car.
Cultural and historical sites
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is also a site of more history and culture, with more historical sites. The park is associated with a more historical setting of more Tanzanian tribes that have long lived in Tanzania’s southern region. The majority of these tribes settled in the mountains before spreading to the rest of Tanzania’s southern regions.
Udzungwa Wildlife
The wildlife in the Udzungwa Mountains is diverse. Many animals live there, including Abbott’s duiker, Kipunji, and unusual animals like the grey-faced sengi. Elephants can be found in the forests that run along the southern escarpment. Udzungwa National Park is also home to six registered primate species. The Iringa red colobus and the Sanje crested mangabey can only be found in this region and nowhere else on the planet! Surprisingly, biologists did not discover the latter until 1979.
The Kihansi spray toad lives near the Kihansi River’s waterfall. It went extinct in the wild for a short time in 2009 after an upstream dam altered its habitat. After a successful captive breeding program, scientists were able to successfully reintroduce them.
Udzungwa National Park’s most common animals:
- Elephants
- Abbott’s duiker
- Kipunji
- Grey-faced sengi
- Iringa red colobus
- Sanje crested mangabey
- African marabou
- Crowned eagle
- Ruppells vulture
- African hobby
- Francolin
- Rufous-winged Sunbird
- Dappled mountain-robin
- Sharpe’s akalat
- Olive-flanked robin-chat
- White-chested alethe
- Udzungwa forest partridge
Primates and birds
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is home to rare primates that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world except in this park. The Sanje crested mangabey and the Iringa red colobus are two of the six recorded primate species.
Birding is excellent in the Kilombero floodplains, where there are more wetlands and forest bird species. The main road is only about 2 kilometers north of Mangula town, near the Hondo-Hondo camp. The park has recoded over 400 bird species, including forest and wetland species. African fowl, forest partridges, green-headed orioles, and other bird species are among those present. Due to a poor road network within the park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park remains one of Tanzania’s most untouched and underutilized national parks, with fewer visitors per year.
WHY VISIT UDZUNGWA MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK?
- Rare primates, unusual flora, and breathtaking waterfalls can all be found in Udzungwa.
- Visitors can learn about the park’s biodiversity hotspots, hike through the Eastern Arc Mountains, and immerse themselves in local culture.
- Birdwatching, camping, and guided tours to learn about conservation efforts are also available at Udzungwa Mountain National Park.
- The park’s breathtaking natural beauty and rare wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
- Udzungwa Mountain National Park provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature while disconnecting from technology, promoting mental and physical well-being.
Attractions in Udzungwa Mountains
UDZUNGWA MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK TOURIST ACTIVITIES
Explore the Sanje waterfall
Aside from bird watching, Udzungwa attracts hikers. Udzungwa National Park has no paved roads and can only be reached by foot. The popular half-day hike to the Sanje Waterfall, which tumbles 170 meters through a misty spray into the wooded valley below, is part of an excellent network of forest trails. It is one of Tanzania’s larger waterfalls, hidden from the rest of the world by dense rain forest.
Other activities includes:
- Traditional Ngoma drumming
- Ifakara market tour
- Dugout canoeing on the Kilombero River
- Mang’ula village tour
- Rubber plantation tour
- Prince Bernhard Falls
GETTING TO UDZUNGWA MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Udzungwa Mountain National Park is accessible by road from Dar es Salaam. The drive from Dar es Salaam takes approximately 340 kilometers (8 hours).
By Air: Daily scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi are available with Auric Air, and Coastal Aviation. After landing at Mikumi airstrip, there is a 50-kilometer drive to Udzungwa Mountain National Park.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT UDZUNGWA MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
The dry season, from June to October, is the best time to visit Udzungwa Mountain National Park. Hiking trails are more accessible during this time, and wildlife is easier to spot. The park, on the other hand, is open all year. The rainy season, which lasts from November to May, brings lush greenery and migratory bird species to the park. Visitors should be prepared for rain and muddy trails, but they will find fewer crowds and lower prices during this season.
